Our research

We're searching for answers to some of childhood's diseases, conditions and issues. In addition to our four research focus areas (Aboriginal Health, Brain and Behaviour, Chronic and Severe Diseases, Early Environment), you can also discover more about specific research we're involved in and the technology we use.

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Different audiences rely on us for very different things. Whether you're a valued donor, curious professional researcher, inquisitive member of the public, or a corporate supplier looking to offer support - we've collated the resources you need.

Professor Pat Holt

Head, Human Immunology

Head, Human Immunology

PhD DSc FRCPI FAA

Professor Holt established the Division of Cell Biology at the Institute's inception in 1990, with his research group's main focus being on the functioning of the paediatric immune system and its role in inflammatory diseases in there lung and airways. His group’s major discoveries include ELISPOT technology for quantitation of antibody and cytokine secreting cells, the role of Alveolar Macrophages in controlling the intensity of T-cell responses in the lung, the phenomenon of immune tolerance induction to inhaled non-pathogenic proteins (such as pollens) which normally protects against respiratory allergy, the Dendritic Cell network throughout lung and airway tissues and its role in regulation of local immune surveillance, and the primary role of developmental defects in immune function(s) in genetic susceptibility to early onset allergy and asthma in childhood. He and his colleagues continue to pursue basic research on the immunological mechanisms that underpin these processes, in conjunction with translational studies utilizing these findings to develop and trial new immunotherapeutic approaches for primary and secondary prevention of asthma in children. These studies involve a network of clinical and scientific collaborators in Australia, Europe and the US.

Human Immunology team

The Human Immunology team works in close collaboration with researchers in the Experimental Immunology and Systems Immunology teams on the nature of the immunological mechanisms that trigger asthma initiation in early life, and drive its progression throughout childhood to its chronic form which manifests during the teen years or in young adulthood.